Keep Your Home in the Family… Not with the Ex-In-Laws

For many people, the family home is their proudest achievement. So naturally you want it to stay in the family for generations and not get caught up in a divorce settlement.

Unfortunately, if you leave your home directly to your child and they later divorce, their ex-spouse could claim a share.

Case Study Example

Take the example of John and Linda, who have a home worth £400,000. They want to leave it to their daughter, Emma, who is married with two children. If Emma divorces, the family home could be at risk. However, with careful estate planning, John and Linda can put the home into a trust for Emma’s benefit. This ensures that, should Emma divorce, the home remains protected for her and her children.

There are several ways to safeguard your property, including trusts and specific wording in your will. For example, a discretionary trust can give your trustees the power to decide how assets are used, providing an extra layer of protection. Another option is to include a ‘life interest’ clause, allowing your child to live in the home but not own it outright, which can help prevent it from being divided in a divorce.

These strategies ensure your legacy is passed on as you intended, giving you and your family real peace of mind.

If you’re worried about your home being split or sold off in a divorce, don’t wait, talk to us about how to secure your family’s future and keep your home where it belongs.